This article is from page 4 of the 2006-03-21 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 4 JPG
AN TAISCE has joined with the Ballyvaughan Development Association and other residents in opposing a proposal to build what’s claimed will be the largest estate in the north Clare coastal village.
A developer, Thomas Considine, has lodged plans with Clare County Council to build a multi-million euro, 21-house extension onto the existing 12-house “Dolmen Village” estate.
In its objection, An Taisce states public services are in need of upgrade, and such a large estate would consequently, be premature.
They claim that the development should be in keeping with the Burren landscape and warn, “this may set an example for future developments.”
In its objection, the Ballyvaughan Development Committee states that “the proposed development is not in keeping with the existing Dolmen Village, where each of the houses are single dwellings, each on their own site.”
“Knowing the serious constraints that presently exist regarding the water and sewerage infrastructure in Ballyvaughan, we regard this application as premature, pending the proper upgrading of facilities at Ballyvaughan,” said Chairman of Ballyvaughan’s Development Committee, Gerry O’Sullivan.
“The overall effect of the proposed development will lead to near tripling in size of the present Dolmen Village, with what we consider to be inappropriate house type designs for a small rural village. We also consider the proposed development to be too dense. We are also concerned that the proposed development involves an erosion of the sole public open space in Dolmen Village.”
A number of residents at the estate have told the council that the proposed development “damages the overall integrity of the Dolmen Village”.
“It will create a 33-house development, which is far in excess of any similar size in Ballyvaughan, or anywhere near it, resulting in the largest housing estate on the north Clare coast.
“The Dolmen Village, will in effect, be tripled in size and this will have problems for water pressure, waste storage location, effluent treatment, irrespective of any proposed temporary treatment plant for the first phase of the development.”
A decision is due on the application later this month.